Eastern and Central Europe (Eyewitness Travel Guides)

27

mm

38

mm

96

mm

37

mm

214 CENTRAL EASTERN EUROPE

Since the fall of Communism in 1989, tourism in Poland
has greatly increased. Foreign visitors are drawn to the
country for its history, folk culture, great architec ture
and unique scenic beauty. The quality of ser vice has
improved, especially in banks. New hotels have
sprung up, many of which are cheaper than those
in Western Europe. The best-equipped hotels and
restaurants are, however, expensive.

Practical & Travel Information

WHEN TO VISIT

The best time to travel to
Poland is late spring or early
autumn, when temperatures
are usually pleasantly warm
and the coastal, lakeside and
mountain resorts are not too
crowded. The big cities, by
contrast are noticeably quieter
in summer; this is also when
theatres close for the holiday
season. However, other
events such as festivals take
place during summer. After
the sum mer season, many
guest houses, hotels, clubs and
restaurants in coastal resorts
and other popular lakeside
spots close. The skiing season
runs from the end of
November to mid-March.

DOCUMENTATION

Citizens of all European
Union (EU) countries,
Canada, New Zealand
and Australia can stay in
Poland without a visa for
up to 90 days. Beyond that,
it is necessary to apply for
a residence permit. Visitors
of other nationalities should
contact the Polish Embassy
in their respective country
for entry requirements.

VISITOR INFORMATION

Information centres can be

found in most towns and

cities. Travel agencies such as

Orbis can advise on tickets,

trains and accommo dation.

Information is also available at

train stations. Hotel employees

are often very helpful.

HEALTH AND SECURITY

Citizens of the EU and the

European Economic Area

(EEA) are entitled to free medi-

cal treat ment in Poland provi-

ded they have their European

Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

For citizens of other countries,

transport to hospitals is pro-

vided free of charge in case of

emergencies, but treatment of

serious health problems may

incur a fee. Visitors are

advised to take out full medical

insurance before arriving and

always carry policy docu ments

and passport for identification

at the hospital during medical

emer gencies. An ambulance

service is avail able 24 hours a

day from any private clinic.

Polish cities suffer from the

same security prob lems and

crime as most European capi-

tals, so visitors should stay

alert for petty thefts and

pick pockets. They should

take extra care of their

belongings in busy railway

sta tions, especially in Warsaw.

Theft in over night trains is an

increas ing menace so it is

important to keep compart-

ment doors locked.

BANKING AND CURRENCY

The official Polish currency is

the złoty, which is divi ded into

100 groszy. Money can be

changed at kantor (exchange

bureaus), many of which offer

better rates than banks. Most

banks will cash traveller's

cheques, although the transac-

tions are time consuming. The

majority of banks are open

from 8am to 6pm. ATMs can

be found in most towns and

cities and accept most

international credit cards.

COMMUNICATIONS

The most inexpensive way to

make international calls is on

pre-paid phone cards, which

can be bought at most kiosks.

Another option is to call from

one of the phone -card-

operated machines. For long-

distance calls, rates are highest

between 8am and 6pm. Local

calls are cheapest from 10pm

to 6am. Poczta Polska, the

Polish post office, is open

from 8am to 8pm on week-

days. GSM mobile phones

have coverage all over

Poland; it is best to buy a pre-

paid SIM card from local

operators. There are also

Internet cafés and free WiFi

areas all over the country, but

connections out side the

capital tend to be slow.

FACILITIES FOR

THE DISABLED

Poland has a poor record for

providing for disabled people

but this is chang ing rapidly.

All renovated and new public

buildings have ramps or lifts

built into them, and special

taxis are also available.

Nevertheless, many traditional

sites of interest may still be

poorly equipped. For general

advice or infor mation about

sites, contact the Disabled

People’s National Council.

THE CLIMATE

OF POLAND

Poland’s climate is

influenced by cold polar air

from Scandinavia and sub-

tropical air from the south.

Polar-continental fronts

dominate in winter, bringing

crisp, frosty weather and

snow. Winters in the north

can be particularly cold. In

contrast, late summer and

autumn (the most popular

times to visit) offer plenty

of warm sunny days.

WARSAW

7

hrs

5

hrs

4

hrs

2

hrs

monthApr Jul Oct Jan

12 /54^13 /55

23 /75

3 /37

0 /32

-6/21

5 /41

15 /59

° C/F

0°C

32°F